SEG Awards
Level 2
QN: 500/9145/1
Curriculum Active
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by SEG Awards. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 1183 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 2
Awarding Body
SEG Awards
Syllabus Units
49 Units
Guided Hours
1183 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Business Finance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the main sources of finance available to a business
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different sources of finance
- Apply the payback period method to evaluate a capital investment project
- Apply the accounting rate of return (ARR) method to evaluate a capital investment project
- Conduct a cost-benefit analysis for a proposed investment decision
- Evaluate the suitability of different sources of finance for a given business scenario
- Justify an investment decision using financial appraisal techniques
2
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Contemporary British Political Ideologies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define politics and distinguish between different interpretations of the term.
- Identify the main political parties in contemporary Britain and their core ideologies.
- Explain the relevance of prominent political parties to contemporary political issues.
- Compare and contrast the policies of major political parties on key issues.
- Evaluate the impact of political decisions on individuals and communities.
- Apply understanding of political ideologies to real-world scenarios in health and social care.
3
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Communication skills in helping relationships
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the core communication skills used in helping relationships
- Explain the purpose and use of active listening in a helping context
- Demonstrate the use of open and closed questions in a helping interaction
- Apply reflection and paraphrasing to show understanding
- Establish rapport and trust at the beginning of a helping interaction
- Develop the interaction using appropriate verbal and non-verbal skills
- Close a helping interaction effectively and ethically
4
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Critical Thinking
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define critical analysis and its key components
- Explain the importance of critical analysis in counselling
- Apply critical analysis to a given counselling concept
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different perspectives
- Justify the use of critical analysis in forming professional judgments
5
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Introduction to Humanities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define the fields included in the study of humanities
- Explain historical and current debates in humanities study
- Compare different methods and approaches used in humanities research
- Evaluate the impact of humanities study on personal and professional life
- Analyse the influence of humanities on cultural and global issues
- Apply humanities methods to investigate a specific area of study
6
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Introduction to Psychology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the scope and key areas of study in psychology as a scientific discipline.
- Compare and contrast major psychological approaches such as behaviourist, cognitive, humanistic, and psychodynamic.
- Evaluate strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative research methods used in psychology.
- Apply psychological concepts to real-world counselling scenarios to explain client behaviour.
- Identify career opportunities relevant to psychology graduates in health and social care settings.
- Explain the ethical principles that govern psychological research, including informed consent and confidentiality.
7
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Introduction to Sociology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the process of socialisation and its role in shaping individual behaviour and identity.
- Compare and contrast the key principles of functionalist, conflict, and interactionist theories.
- Apply basic sociological research methods to investigate a social issue relevant to counselling.
- Explain how social stratification (class, gender, ethnicity) influences life chances and client experiences.
- Analyse the relationship between social institutions (family, education, media) and individual development.
8
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Poverty in Contemporary Britain
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define absolute and relative poverty with clear examples.
- Compare poverty rates across different historical periods in Britain.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the HBAI measure.
- Analyze why lone-parent families are at greater risk of poverty.
- Assess the effectiveness of Universal Credit in reducing child poverty.
- Explain how stigma can influence a person's experience of poverty.
9
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Understanding Diversity within Society
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define diversity in the context of society.
- Describe diverse social groups and their cultural practices.
- Identify similarities between different social groups.
- Explain the importance of respecting diversity in a tolerant society.
- Recognize the contributions of diverse groups to society.
10
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the physical and behavioural signs that may indicate different types of abuse.
- Explain the correct procedures for responding if a client discloses abuse or harm.
- Identify key legislation and national guidance relating to safeguarding in health and social care.
- Evaluate the role of the counsellor in supporting safeguarding within multi-agency frameworks.
- Apply strategies to minimise the risk of abuse occurring within a counselling environment.
- Outline the process for reporting unsafe practices in line with organisational policies.
11
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Research Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research methods and their appropriate uses in counselling.
- Design a small-scale research plan including aims, methodology, and ethical considerations.
- Produce a research report that presents findings with clarity and appropriate referencing.
- Evaluate the validity and reliability of a published counselling research study.
12
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Working in a Group
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify different types of groups and their purposes in a counselling setting.
- Describe the stages of group development and their impact on group dynamics.
- Plan a group session, including setting aims, objectives, and ground rules.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills when working in a group.
- Contribute constructively to group activities and discussions.
- Review own performance and identify areas for improvement in group work.
13
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Understanding Child Protection Theory
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the relationship between children's needs and rights in the context of child protection.
- Identify the different forms of child abuse and describe their potential effects on children.
- Explain the principles of responding professionally to a child's disclosure of abuse.
- Apply observational skills to make and maintain appropriate records in child protection situations.
- Identify family circumstances that may increase the risk of abusive situations.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of key professionals in child protection.
- Explain the importance of confidentiality in child protection procedures and record keeping.
14
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Work Experience
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Plan a work experience placement that aligns with personal learning goals and organisational requirements.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills in a professional setting.
- Apply counselling concepts and ethical principles in a work experience context.
- Review and evaluate the work experience placement to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Reflect on personal learning and professional development gained from the placement.
15
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Information Literacy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify a range of credible information sources relevant to counselling practice.
- Prepare an effective search strategy for gathering information on a specific counselling topic.
- Systematically gather information from identified sources using appropriate methods.
- Critically evaluate the relevance and reliability of gathered information.
- Synthesise information to produce a coherent response that meets the original purpose.
- Adapt communication of information to suit the needs of different audiences, such as clients or colleagues.
- Demonstrate ethical considerations when handling sensitive information in a counselling context.
16
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Business and the Economy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the main causes of economic growth
- Explain the main causes of inflation
- Explain the main causes of unemployment
- Analyse the effects of economic growth on business
- Analyse the effects of inflation on business
- Analyse the effects of unemployment on business
- Evaluate the impact of economic changes on business decision-making
17
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Building a Personal Career Portfolio
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify own skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and personal qualities
- Explain how own skills and qualities meet the requirements of a chosen career path
- Compile a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates own achievements and qualities
- Produce a CV that is accurate, well-presented and tailored to a specific purpose
- Devise a personal action plan to achieve a specific career goal
- Review and update a personal career portfolio to reflect new achievements
18
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Researching and Understanding Opportunities for Study in Higher Education
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify a range of Higher Education courses relevant to counselling and related fields.
- Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of specific Higher Education courses.
- Construct an action plan outlining steps to develop graduate career-related abilities and skills.
- Evaluate the role of broader life experiences in strengthening Higher Education applications.
- Assess the transferable skills gained from work, volunteering, or personal experiences that support progression to Higher Education.
- Compare different Higher Education institutions and their entry requirements for counselling courses.
19
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Ethical Issues in Social Policy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice in counselling.
- Identify key UK legislation and policies that govern counselling practice.
- Apply a structured ethical decision-making model to resolve an ethical dilemma.
- Evaluate competing arguments in an ethical debate to reach a reasoned conclusion.
- Apply ethical frameworks to real-world case studies involving social policy.
20
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Exploring Stereotyping and the Media
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define stereotyping and distinguish it from prejudice and discrimination.
- Analyse historical examples of media stereotyping and their influence on societal attitudes.
- Evaluate psychological theories explaining the formation and maintenance of stereotypes.
- Apply critical media analysis to identify stereotyping in contemporary media content.
- Assess the implications of media stereotypes for counselling practice and client well-being.
- Explain the role of media literacy in challenging stereotyping.
21
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Exploring Industrialisation in Britain
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe key technological advancements during the industrial revolution in Britain.
- Explain the social and economic consequences of urbanisation in industrialised Britain.
- Analyse the effects of industrialisation on traditional family roles and community support systems.
- Evaluate the long-term psychological impacts of industrialisation that contributed to the development of counselling.
- Assess the role of industrialisation in shaping modern social welfare and mental health services.
22
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Developmental Psychology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the nature/nurture debate and its implications for understanding individual differences in development.
- Evaluate the role of early socialisation and attachment formation in shaping later relationships and mental health.
- Explain key cognitive development theories (e.g., Piaget, Vygotsky) and how they inform our understanding of childhood information processing.
- Apply developmental psychology theories to real-world counselling scenarios, demonstrating how they inform client assessment and intervention.
- Describe psychological changes that accompany the ageing process and assess their potential impact on client well-being and counselling practice.
23
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Young People, Law and Order
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the main risk factors that contribute to young people becoming involved in crime.
- Analyse the consequences of crime on victims, offenders, families and the wider community.
- Describe the key stages and principles of the Criminal/Youth Justice System in England and Wales.
- Compare custodial and alternative forms of sentences for young offenders.
- Evaluate the roles of local agencies in supporting young people and reducing reoffending.
24
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Crime and Deviance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the social construction of crime and deviance.Understand a range of explanations of crime and deviance.Understand the advantages and disadvantages of statistical approaches to crime and deviance.
25
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Development of Social Policy
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand the influence of the law on social policy, Understand the development of social policy
26
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Academic Writing Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Be able to interpret specific questions (eg essay or research question)., Be able to structure a written response., Be able to present the response appropriately for audience and purpose., Understand how to organise and apply information in their academic writing.
27
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
An introduction to personal development
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Develop self understanding, Understand personal qualities relevant to the helping role
28
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Crime and Society
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand theoretical explanations of crime.Understand social and cultural patterns of crime and criminality.Understand crime statistics. Understand the effects of crime on society.
29
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Understanding Equal Opportunities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Understand discrimination with regard to ethnicity, gender, disability and sexuality.Understand equal opportunities.Understand ways of challenging discrimination.Know about support agencies in his/her area.
30
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Health Psychology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role of health psychology in understanding illness prevention and management.
- Describe the key assumptions of the medical model and its limitations in healthcare.
- Analyse how psychological factors such as stress and coping influence physical health.
- Evaluate the biopsychosocial model as a framework for holistic patient care.
- Apply the biopsychosocial model to a case study in a counselling context.
31
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Improving Own Learning and Performance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify personal learning preferences and areas for development through reflective practice.
- Assess own strengths, aptitudes, and skills to formulate realistic learning targets.
- Construct a detailed action plan with specific steps, resources, and timelines to achieve targets.
- Evaluate progress against the action plan and modify strategies to improve learning outcomes.
32
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Exploring Perspectives in Psychology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the core principles of at least three major psychological perspectives relevant to counselling
- Compare and contrast the behaviourist and humanistic perspectives on the origins of psychological distress
- Evaluate the application of the cognitive-behavioural perspective to a contemporary issue such as workplace stress
- Analyse the similarities and differences between the psychodynamic and person-centred approaches
- Apply the biopsychosocial model to explain the development of anxiety disorders
- Justify the selection of a specific psychological perspective for a given case study
33
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Health Promotion in Care Settings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define health promotion and distinguish it from disease prevention within a counselling context
- Apply behaviour change theories to support clients in adopting healthier lifestyles
- Analyse potential conflicts between client autonomy and evidence-based health guidance
- Develop strategies to resolve ethical tensions when promoting health with vulnerable populations
- Demonstrate methods for maintaining personal safety and psychological well-being as a care worker
- Evaluate the impact of cultural values on the acceptance of health promotion messages
34
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Exploring Sociological Explanations
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain how social structures such as class, gender, and ethnicity impact individuals' life chances.
- Distinguish between sociological perspectives and personal subjective opinion in the context of counselling.
- Analyse contemporary social issues (e.g., digital inequality, mental health stigma) through the lens of functionalism and conflict theories.
- Apply sociological concepts to real-world counselling scenarios to demonstrate understanding of structural influences.
- Evaluate the relevance of sociological explanations for practising counsellors in promoting client well-being.
35
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Introduction to History
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between primary and secondary sources in the context of counselling history.
- Explain how bias can affect the creation and interpretation of historical records.
- Assess the reliability of historical sources relating to therapeutic practices.
- Identify potential biases in key texts from the history of counselling.
- Apply source analysis skills to build a balanced understanding of historical developments in counselling.
36
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
European History
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the development of social care institutions.
- Evaluate how Enlightenment ideals contributed to the emergence of humanistic counselling approaches.
- Explain the role of economic policies in shaping access to mental health services across Europe.
- Assess the influence of major European conflicts on the evolution of trauma counselling.
- Discuss the cultural stigmatisation of mental illness through European history and its effect on help-seeking behaviours.
37
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Exploring Family
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the factors that have driven changes in family relationships over historical periods.
- Evaluate the mutual impact between family structures and wider societal institutions.
- Apply a counselling framework to explore the role of relationships within diverse family contexts.
- Compare contemporary and traditional family models and their implications for client wellbeing.
38
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Plagiarism
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define plagiarism in the context of counselling education and professional practice.
- Identify examples of plagiarism across different academic and professional contexts.
- Differentiate between intentional and unintentional plagiarism.
- Apply Harvard referencing conventions to avoid plagiarism in written assignments.
- Paraphrase source material accurately to maintain original meaning while avoiding plagiarism.
- Evaluate own work for potential plagiarism using appropriate tools and techniques.
39
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Recognising Issues of Substance Misuse
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key differences between legal and illegal substances and their classifications.
- Explain the physical, psychological, and social impacts of substance use and misuse on individuals.
- Describe a range of available support services for substance misuse, including local and national resources.
40
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Managing Your Own Learning
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate personal strengths, weaknesses, and preferences to establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) learning goals.
- Analyse available learning opportunities, resources, and potential barriers to determine their suitability for achieving identified goals.
- Construct a detailed, realistic learning programme that integrates theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, and reflective activities.
- Assess the physical, social, and psychological aspects of the learning environment to optimise conditions for effective study.
- Implement the learning programme consistently, adapting strategies in response to ongoing self-assessment and feedback.
- Critically review the learning journey, evaluating outcomes against original goals, and identify areas for future development.
41
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Organisation and Evaluation of Study
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply systematic methods to monitor and record personal study progress
- Demonstrate effective time management strategies to organise workload
- Identify and describe own preferred learning style using recognised frameworks
- Critically review own work to identify strengths and areas for improvement
- Develop an action plan for continuous study improvement based on self-evaluation
42
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Psychology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define key psychological terminology relevant to counselling.
- Explain the role of ethics in psychological research.
- Outline psychological methods of investigation.
- Compare strengths and limitations of different research methods.
- Discuss how ethical principles safeguard research participants.
43
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Practical Presentation Skills
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the needs of a counselling audience to tailor presentation content appropriately
- Demonstrate effective use of at least two types of visual aids in a counselling presentation
- Apply structured planning techniques to prepare a logically sequenced counselling-themed presentation
- Deliver a coherent presentation using appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Evaluate personal presentation performance against set criteria and identify specific areas for improvement
- Adapt delivery style in real time to maintain engagement during a mock counselling workshop
44
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Prejudice and Discrimination
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the relationship between prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping in counselling contexts
- Evaluate the impact of discriminatory attitudes on mental health and well-being
- Explain the role of socialisation in shaping prejudicial attitudes
- Assess the effectiveness of Equal Opportunities Policies in reducing discrimination within counselling services
- Apply anti-discriminatory principles to hypothetical counselling scenarios
45
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
Introduction to Social Work
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the purpose and scope of social work within health and social care contexts.
- Explain key principles of social work including empowerment, anti-discriminatory practice, and confidentiality.
- Analyse how social work principles guide professional conduct and decision-making in practice.
- Evaluate different career roles in social work and their typical entry requirements.
- Assess personal skills and qualities aligned with the competencies needed for social work careers.
46
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
The professional context of counselling
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the core characteristics that differentiate a professional helping relationship from a social relationship.
- Compare the fundamental principles of at least two major therapeutic models of counselling.
- Explain the importance of the physical and emotional environment in supporting effective counselling.
- Identify the key aspects of confidentiality and its limitations within a counselling context.
47
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
The Welfare State
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the historical factors that led to the creation of the modern welfare state
- Identify the main welfare services available in the UK and explain their function
- Compare the ideological assumptions underpinning contrasting models of welfare
- Analyse how welfare provision affects the mental and emotional well-being of counselling clients
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of current welfare services in supporting vulnerable people
48
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
The Sociology of Health
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain contrasting definitions of health, including lay and clinical perspectives
- Compare sociological models of mental illness, such as the biomedical and social constructionist models
- Analyse the impact of medical dominance on patient autonomy, referring to theorists like Eliot Freidson
- Evaluate the implications of medicalisation for counselling practice
- Assess the role of stigma in mental health from a sociological perspective
49
SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Counselling Concepts
British History
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the key social and political issues emerging from a selected period in British history.
- Evaluate the influence of cultural norms on individual identity and help-seeking behaviours.
- Explain how economic conditions in historical periods have shaped community support networks.
- Assess the legacy of legislative reforms on contemporary counselling practice.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 500/9145/1
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- SEG Awards
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Jun 2010